65GS.com - Buick Gran Sport Enthusiasts!
Projects & Restorations => Projects & Restorations => Topic started by: cwmcobra on May 22, 2016, 05:06:16 PM
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I have an opportunity to purchase a couple of nailhead engines and dress up street rod accessories. One is a 401 and the other a 425. It appears that the 425 is in better shape to start with and I could very easily rebuild that block with the refurbished heads, etc. that I was going to use on my 401. My engine is not original to the car; not "numbers matching", so there would be no "value" lost from that standpoint. The street rod accessories I would sell to partially recoup my investment.
So, with a minimal investment, would you put the 425 in or leave the 401? And by the way, this will be a 2 x 4, Muncie M21 4-speed car.
Speak away....I'm very interested in your comments and advice!
:cheers2:
Chuck
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One of mine has a 425, I say go ahead. 99% of the population will never know the difference and half of the other 1% won't care especially since you're keeping a nailhead in there.
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Chuck,
401 or 425, if its not numbers matching use the one you want. Just keep it a nailhead.
Dan
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Well lets see :idea1: 65GS , Verde green , 425 , dual carter Afb,s , manual trans , Chuck I think I,d go for it . :thumbsup:
I think I heard of another guy doing the same thing only a 3 speed manual , hard top car . :laughing7:
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Chuck,
If you are making yours faster than the rest of our slouchy 401's(especially with the two 4bbl setup)...lol..you may consider selling that m-21 and finding a more correct GS trans because they have the nickel gears in them for a reason. Don't be surprised if that Borg Warner can be bought for less than your Muncie is worth and it would be a plus as far as original goes. Takes ten minutes to change on the floor rather than in the car. Dan
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What's the old saying, "There's no replacement for displacement"?😄
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Dan - sounds like an interesting plan. Any idea where I can find that GS T-10 I'd need???....
Chuck
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Saw one awhile ago,but I will see if I can find it,Dan
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Might have been the one that John Egel sold a couple of months ago......
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"Crash" had one for sale on V8Buick, not sure if it's still there. He's in Miwaukee area I believe. There's also a Super T 10 for sale there for $425 now.
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Dear Chuck, Jim, Dan, John, Dan, and fans of mid-60s "assertive" Buicks! . . . .
So, with a minimal investment, would you put the 425 in or leave the 401? And by the way, this will be a 2 x 4, Muncie M21 4-speed car.
What's the old saying, "There's no replacement for displacement"?????
(http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/wink_smile_triangle.gif) . . . Awe shucks! You would settle for only 425 cid when you could you could go for - MORE!!!!! . . . (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/big_grin_triangle.gif)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Biquettes-TAPerformance-engine/i-xZQsCDQ/0/XL/Biquette%27s%20engine%20-%20port%20front%20-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Drive-Train-makeover/Biquettes-TAPerformance-engine/i-xZQsCDQ/A)
Alright, alright! yes that is likely to cost you a wee bit more than your 425 . . . . (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/dollar.gif)
So under the circumstances, by all means go for the 425!! . . . :thumbsup:
Cheers, Edouard :occasion14:
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I'll vote for the 425 as well. :icon_thumright:
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Hi,
My vote would be 425, I've got one in the wings waiting for my car, if you're running a muncie you might want a wide ratio for street driving all depends on your rear end gearing.
Regards,
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Chuck,
I still have that Borg Warner T-10 transmission for sale.
John
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John,
Let me think on that for a moment. I've asked if the shifter rods and linkage are the same for the T-10 and Muncie in your for sale thread.
Chuck
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Thanks all for your inputs. I'm disappointed to report that there is no 425 in my near future. After finally getting the block codes from the seller, he was surprised to discover that his 425 engine is actually a 401. Don't think I need a 63 401 and 66 401 to complement the 65 401 that came out of my car.
After unanimous recommendations for the 425 it's a let down to find that it was a figment of the current owner's information. :BangHead:
I'm still considering John's T-10 though so all is not lost! :thumbsup:
Chuck
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It was fun while it lasted Chuck! 401, it's still all good.
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It was fun while it lasted Chuck! 401, it's still all good.
Got that right Jim!!
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Is an LX block worth any more than any other 425?
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Is an LX block worth any more than any other 425?
Don't know that it would make it any more valuable. The " X " means it was factory 2 X 4. Also the cam and distributor were particular to the 2 X 4. Along with that it would have had the aluminum valve covers from the factory.
Loren
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I have the LX 425 in mine, And It's always a big hit at car shows. :wave:
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That's what I don't understand about the block codes. It sounds like the LW and LX blocks are exactly the same except for the codes that indicate other aspects of the engine. So an LX block shouldn't be worth any more than the LW. Right?
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Harle,
My 401 will look like an LX when done with the 2x4 induction, aluminum valve covers and Super Wildcat air cleaner. Only Buick experts will know the difference!
:cheers2:
Chuck
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That's what I don't understand about the block codes. It sounds like the LW and LX blocks are exactly the same except for the codes that indicate other aspects of the engine. So an LX block shouldn't be worth any more than the LW. Right?
You got it!
"LW" would be a single carb engine, so the cam and distributor would be for a single carb. As noted previously, the "LX" is factory 2 X 4 engine and would therefore have the cam and distributor specific for the 2 X 4. Also the "LX " engine came with the aluminum valve covers. The rear A/C bracket is also specific for the aluminum valve covers and the 2 X 4 manifold.
Loren